Fire at Uborak landfill in Mostar triggers emergency response and aid

A large fire broke out on June 22 at the Uborak municipal waste landfill in Mostar, engulfing the site and producing thick smoke that lingered over the city. The blaze prompted the mayor’s office to declare a state of emergency, allowing rapid deployment of civil‑protection services and the use of an air tractor to combat the fire.

On June 24 a second blaze ignited in the section storing automobile tires, causing additional material damage and heightening concerns for air quality and public health. Local authorities issued precautionary guidelines urging residents to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, and avoid physical activities until air quality normalises. Special warnings were given to vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The Federation of Bosnia‑Herzegovina government allocated 300,000 KM to the Environmental Ministry’s fund for immediate actions, including fire suppression, site cleaning, prevention of further ignitions and transport of waste to other facilities. The city of Mostar will provide documentation and ongoing reports to the fund.

Amid the emergency, a veterinarian rescued a cat named “Garo” that had been injured by the flames. The animal received full medical treatment at a local clinic, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the response.